Horgenzell — Upper Swabian Fun, Nature Reserves

What is it with Germany? This is a strange place, they throw around names like Oberschwäbisches Hügelland, and expect even German-speakers to understand what this means? Sorry for my little rant, but here I am in the graceful town of Horgenzell — and all I got out of that was Upper Swabia.

You know what? It doesn’t matter, they can stop right there, because in any language the Swabian region of the country is great for anyone who loves being outside to enjoy the sunshine. The nature reserve areas around here are utterly fantastic to commune with nature, to get some peace and quiet, or just to get some exercise in an idyllic landscape on any one of the many hiking and cycling trails and paths.

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Horgenzell, however, is also great if you really like to party. Who doesn’t love one of those? I know I do, so it’s all your own personal choice if you want to hit up the Summer Festival in July, the Dorffeste (yes, two Village Festivals, one in July and another in August), the Oktoberfest (in October), or the Christmas Market at the end of November.

The best is probably the Einhalden Festival, a musical and cabaret affair that’s held annual on what was once a 12th century farm. How cool is that — fun and history all rolled into one. Who says history can’t be exciting?

I know something like that would never come from my lips (in this case, my fingers on the keyboard). And what’s even better about Horgenzell is there’s a good bit of history to be found. Probably the oldest in the region are the Bronze Age gravel hills, found in the nearby Dickenwald. You’ve also got a medieval atonement cross out here, as well as a 13th century church in the village of Zogenweiler.

Wait, I take that back. The original church goes back that far, but the one you’re looking at these days is from the 20th century; although the Baroque and neo-Gothic sculptures are still around.

Too bad nearby Burg Schmalegg is gone, too. The poor 12th century castle was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War conflict, and all that stands on the spot of a medieval castle is a cross.

Maybe I shouldn’t have ranted about Horgenzell being in the Oberschwäbischen Hügelland (Upper Swabian Hill Land), but instead have been singing praises of this magnificent place. But, I’d have done it in German, so it just would have sounded like yelling away. ;-)